ArtTalk – Robert Papp

Dreamy, creamy realism characterizes Robert Papp’s oil paintings. Set in rich neutral backgrounds, his simple subjects glow warmly out at the viewer invitingly. His work embodies the adage that artists paint not objects but light. This year in our 95th Juried Art Show, Robert’s award-winning “Reluctant Princess” is a seated girl loosely holding a tiara with an unconvinced expression on her face. She appears out of the black background, silently  asking, “Do I have to?” 

Robert’s paintings are suffused with the humanity of his subjects that instantly engages his audience, whether the subject is a weathered Christmas tree farmer or a child’s dress hanging on a nail in the wall. The effect is simple, a clear and efficient communication of a feeling we all can sympathize with. 

Robert Papp has exhibited frequently at Phillips’ Mill’s Juried Art Show, twice winning the Patrons’ Award. He’s participated in national and international juried art shows including The Art Renewal Center, the Portrait Society of America and the Oil Painters of America. He’s won the Oil Painters of America’s Past President’s award, the Portrait Society of America International Portrait Competition Certificate of Merit, been a finalist several times in the Art Renewal Center Salon and was a Still Life finalist in “Artists Magazine’s” annual competition. He studied at the duCret Center of Art in Plainfield, N.J. Robert is an illustrator of countless book and magazine covers, as well as national advertising campaigns. He regularly paints still lifes of food for “Cook’s Illustrated.”

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